
Becoming Natural
80 episodes — Page 1 of 2
Aloe Vera Benefits: Ways This Reliable Plant Knows How to Restore
Why Modern Life Feels Overwhelming When We Were Created for Peace
Lemon Oil Benefits: 5 Easy Ways to Help Overwhelmed Moms
Natural Flavors: The Dirty Secrets Found in Ingredient Labels

S1 Ep 75How to Read Labels: A Clear, Practical Guide to Hidden Ingredients
Read the full episode + resources here:👉 https://becomingnatural.com/how-to-read-labelsIf you’ve ever stood in the store holding two products that look almost identical… and felt unsure which one to choose, there may be a reason why.Learning how to read labels isn’t as complicated as it seems—but most of us were never taught what actually matters.Because the truth is, many front labels are designed to sell you—not inform you. Words like “natural,” “clean,” and “non-toxic” often don’t have standardized definitions, which means two products can appear trustworthy… while being completely different in terms of ingredient quality, safety, and transparency.In this episode, I walk you through a simple, practical framework you can use in seconds—whether you’re choosing supplements, food, or body care products.This is called the Becoming Natural 5-Filter Test, and once you understand it, you’ll never look at labels the same way again.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:• How to read labels without feeling overwhelmed or needing a science background• The difference between meaningful certifications and marketing language• What third-party testing actually verifies—and why it matters• How to spot hidden ingredients like “natural flavors” and unnecessary additives• Why packaging and material safety impact your exposure more than most people realizeWe also talk about something deeper than labels—stewardship.Not perfection. Not pressure. Just awareness.Because your body is constantly interacting with what you eat, what you put on your skin, and what you bring into your home. And small choices—repeated over time—can have a meaningful impact on how you feel.This isn’t about fear.It’s about learning how to read labels so you can make decisions with clarity instead of confusion.You don’t need to memorize ingredients.You don’t need to chase every new wellness trend.You just need a filter.And once you have one… everything becomes simpler.“I’ve linked several studies below if you enjoy exploring the research for yourself.”🎧 Press play and walk away with a simple system you can use every time you shop.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.Mentioned in this episode:Lumebox Portable Redlight https://becomingnatural.com/redlight

S1 Ep 74Is Glyphosate in Food Really a Harmful & Hidden Risk?
Glyphosate in food is more common than most people realize—and it may be showing up in the very foods you trust most.What if something was applied to your food just days before harvest… and you were never told to look for it?Read the full episode + resources here:👉 https://becomingnatural.com/glyphosate-in-foodIn this episode, we’re breaking down glyphosate in food—what it is, how it’s used, and why it’s found in everyday staples like oats, wheat, and grains.This isn’t about fear.It’s about clarity—so you can make thoughtful, grounded decisions for yourself and your family.What You’ll Learn:What glyphosate actually does (in simple, understandable terms)Why it’s sometimes sprayed right before harvestWhat research is exploring about long-term, low-level exposureHow this may connect to gut health, inflammation, and toxic loadSimple, realistic ways to reduce glyphosate exposure without overwhelmYou’ll also hear a surprising study showing how quickly the body can reduce glyphosate levels with just a few small changes.And most importantly—how to approach all of this without anxiety, but with wisdom and intention.Because you don’t have to change everything overnight.You just take the next right step.🎧 Listen in to understand what’s really happening—and how to respond in a way that feels steady, not stressful.I’ve linked several studies below if you enjoy exploring the research for yourself.🔬 Research Links:(keep your existing 6 links here exactly once)🧺 Recommended Products:A Practitioner-Trusted OptionBob’s Red Mill Organic Oatshttps://amzn.to/4vlCaBVAnother High-Quality ChoiceOne Degree Organic Oatshttps://amzn.to/4lZVUX8This is an affiliate link, which simply means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally trust.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 73The Sweet Lie Behind “Sugar-Free”: What Artificial Sweeteners Really Do
Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/episode-73-artificial-sweeteners-effects-on-bodyArtificial sweeteners are everywhere — from diet drinks to protein powders to “healthy” snack foods — and they’re often marketed as the smarter alternative to sugar.But what do artificial sweeteners actually do inside the body?In this episode, we walk through the science behind artificial sweeteners effects on body systems, including how they interact with metabolism, appetite signaling, insulin response, and the gut microbiome. While these compounds are often labeled as “zero calorie,” they are not biologically neutral — and understanding that difference changes how we approach them.We also unpack the “diet soda paradox,” where products designed to support weight loss are sometimes associated with increased cravings or weight gain over time. This isn’t about fear — it’s about understanding how the body interprets sweetness as a signal, and what happens when that signal arrives without real energy behind it.You’ll also learn how to identify hidden artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols on ingredient labels — including common names like sucralose, aspartame, erythritol, and acesulfame potassium — and why they often show up in products marketed as “low sugar,” “keto,” or “diabetic-friendly.”If you’ve ever wondered why cravings increase after diet drinks, why “sugar-free” doesn’t always feel satisfying, or how these ingredients may impact gut health, this episode will help connect those dots in a simple, grounded way.In this episode, you’ll learn:how artificial sweeteners affect metabolism and appetite signalswhy “zero calories” doesn’t mean “no metabolic impact”the connection between artificial sweeteners and gut microbiome changeshow to recognize hidden sweeteners on ingredient labelsa simple, practical way to reset your taste preferencesArtificial sweeteners were created with good intentions — but the body is more complex than anyone first realized. This episode invites you to understand those layers so you can make informed, intentional choices without overwhelm.🎧 Press play to learn what your body may be experiencing beneath the surface.Better Steviahttps://amzn.to/4sstpUtMaple Syruphttps://amzn.to/4sDPfVoOrganic Raw & Unfiltered Honeyhttps://amzn.to/3PmgsgyRaw Cane Sugarhttps://amzn.to/3NOwGOOThis is an affiliate link, which simply means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally trust.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 72Is Nonstick Cookware Safety a Toxic Risk Most People Miss?
Nonstick cookware safety is something most people never think about — until they understand what can happen when these pans overheat. In this episode, we explore what nonstick cookware is made of, how PFAS behave in the body, and why everyday kitchen habits can quietly influence the environment inside our homes.Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/nonstick-cookware-safety-toxic-riskMost of us don’t think twice about the pan sitting on our stove — until we realize how quickly an empty nonstick pan can overheat. In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at nonstick cookware safety, what these pans are made of, and what actually happens when they’re exposed to higher temperatures.We’ll walk through the science behind PTFE coatings (commonly known as Teflon), how PFAS became known as “forever chemicals,” and why overheating — not everyday use — is where most of the concern begins. You’ll also hear why bird owners have been aware of this issue for decades, and what researchers mean when they describe polymer fume exposure.This is not a conversation about fear — it’s about understanding how small, everyday choices in our kitchens can quietly shape the environment inside our homes.In this episode, we cover:• what nonstick cookware is made of• what happens when PTFE overheats• how PFAS behave in the body and environment• why empty pans are the biggest risk factor• practical ways to reduce exposure without overcomplicating your lifeIf you’ve ever wondered whether convenience in the kitchen comes with hidden tradeoffs, this episode will help you think through nonstick cookware safety with both clarity and peace of mind.I’ve linked several studies below if you enjoy exploring the research for yourself.A Trusted Option:https://amzn.to/4uBLcKyCuisinart 11-Piece Stainless Steel CooksetAnother High-Quality Choice:https://amzn.to/4lEtUIDLodge Cast Iron SkilletAnother High-Quality Choice:https://amzn.to/4brlYFSCaraway Ceramic Frying Pan**This is an affiliate link, which simply means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally trust.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.Mentioned in this episode:nonstickintro

S1 Ep 71Earthing: The Promising Benefits Found in Grounding Yourself
Read the full episode + resources here:Becoming Natural websitehttps://becomingnatural.com/earthing-grounding-benefitsHave you ever taken your shoes off and stood barefoot in the grass… and noticed that it just feels good?Not dramatically different.Just calmer. Quieter.That simple moment raises an interesting scientific question: what actually happens when the human body touches the earth?In this episode, we explore the fascinating science behind earthing — also called grounding — and what researchers have discovered so far about how contact with the earth may influence the body.You’ll learn what grounding really means, how the earth functions as an electrical reservoir, and how modern life has changed our daily contact with the natural world.We’ll also explore:• the physics behind grounding and body voltage• why rubber-soled shoes changed our electrical relationship with the earth• the “human antenna” effect inside modern buildings• what grounding research suggests about inflammation, blood flow, and sleep• why the human foot may be uniquely designed for contact with the ground• a simple multimeter experiment you can try yourselfGrounding has gained attention in recent years, sometimes surrounded by bold claims. In this conversation, we take a slower and more thoughtful approach — exploring what the research actually shows while remaining curious about what scientists are still studying.Along the way, we’ll also look at a deeper question.If the human body developed for thousands of years in constant contact with the earth… what happens when modern life separates us from that environment?Whether grounding ultimately proves to have major physiological effects or simply reminds us to spend more time outdoors, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on how our bodies interact with the natural world God created.Sometimes the path toward feeling better isn’t complicated.Sometimes it starts with something as simple as stepping outside and feeling the earth beneath your feet.I’ve linked several studies below if you enjoy exploring the research for yourself.AstroAI Multimeter:https://amzn.to/4rnBs3GEarthing: The Most Important Health Discover Ever! {Book}https://amzn.to/4rkHguDHosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 70Turns Out My “Never” List Was God’s To-Do List: How Becoming Natural Was Born
Read the full episode + resources here:Becoming Natural websitehttps://becomingnatural.com/faith-through-hard-seasons/Episode 70 is the story behind Becoming Natural.In this episode: • How chronic illness redirected my career • Why obedience matters more than readiness • How motherhood clarified my calling • Why I choose to be heard rather than seenIf you’re walking through uncertainty, this is encouragement for faith through hard seasons.God builds calling through detours.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 69Creatine Benefits: 5 Powerful Reasons for Brain & Body
Read the full episode + resources here:Becoming Natural websitehttps://becomingnatural.com/creatine-benefits-brain-bodyCreatine benefits extend far beyond muscle growth. In this episode, we break down how creatine supports ATP production — your body’s cellular energy system — and why that matters for both strength and brain function.You’ll learn:• How creatine helps regenerate ATP during high energy demand• Why muscle mass protects metabolism, stability, and long-term independence• The surprising connection between creatine and brain energy• Safe daily dosage (3–5g) and whether a loading phase is necessary• What research actually says about kidney safety• How to choose clean, third-party tested creatine monohydrateClean product links:A Practitioner-Trusted Option – Thorne Creatine (NSF Certified for Sport)https://amzn.to/405ainbAnother High-Quality Choice – Momentous Creatine (NSF Certified, Creapure® sourced)https://amzn.to/4arVB3uThis is an affiliate link, which simply means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally trust.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 68Listening to Your Body: Strong Language for Quality of Life
Read the full episode + resources here:Becoming Natural websitehttps://becomingnatural.com/listening-to-your-bodyWhat if the body was designed to communicate long before something breaks?In this deeply encouraging episode, we explore the quiet but powerful language your body speaks every single day — and why learning to recognize those early signals can shape your long-term health, resilience, and overall quality of life.Many women have been taught to push through fatigue, override stress, and dismiss subtle discomfort as “normal adulthood.” But the body rarely begins with pain. More often, it whispers through tension, brain fog, sleep disruption, emotional sensitivity, or persistent exhaustion.Understanding these signals is not about becoming hyper-aware — it is about becoming wise stewards of the body God entrusted to us.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:• Why pain is usually not the first sign something is wrong• How the brain increases signals when quieter ones are ignored• The neuroscience of interoception — your built-in awareness system• What chronic “go mode” does to digestion, inflammation, and clear thinking• Why rest is not weakness — it is biological design• How small, caring responses today can protect your future healthScripture reminds us in Psalm 139 that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. That truth is not only spiritual — it is biological. Your body is intentional, responsive, and protective by design.When we stop treating the body like a machine to manage and begin receiving it as a message to steward, our care becomes gentler… and often far more effective.I’ve linked several studies below if you enjoy exploring the research for yourself.Friend, your body is not working against you — it is working for you in thousands of unseen ways.Press play to rediscover the wisdom woven into your design.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 67Toxin Binders Truth: 5 Detox Mistakes You Need to Avoid
Read the full episode + resources here:Becoming Natural websitehttps://becomingnatural.com/toxin-binders-detox-mistakesWhat are toxin binders — and does your body actually need one?In today’s conversation, we unpack the truth behind binders and detox support so you can make wise, informed decisions instead of reacting to wellness noise.You’ll learn:what binders are and how they work inside the digestive tractwhy open detox pathways matter before adding supplementsthe difference between true die-off and simple overloadwhen binders may help — and when they are unnecessarythe detox mistakes that often make people feel worseYour body was thoughtfully designed with powerful systems for protection and elimination. Most of the time, health is less about forcing detox and more about removing obstacles so the body can function as it was created to.I’ve linked several studies below if you enjoy exploring the research for yourself.🎧 Listen in and learn how slower, steadier support often leads to more sustainable wellness.Activated Charcoal Binder:https://amzn.to/3ZY2mnkBentonite Clay:https://amzn.to/3Oyoy4YChlorella:https://amzn.to/4reHx3kCitrus Pectin:https://amzn.to/4aoYtNmAffiliate links could be attached, which simply means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products based on quality and professional discernment.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 66L-Theanine Benefits: Powerful Calm for Every Restless Brain
Read the full episode + resources here:Becoming Natural websitehttps://becomingnatural.com/l-theanine-benefitsIf your body feels tired but your mind refuses to settle, this episode will help you understand why — and what may gently support your nervous system.Today we are exploring L-theanine benefits, an amino acid widely studied for its role in promoting calm focus without sedation. Rather than forcing the brain to slow down, L-theanine appears to encourage a more regulated state — one where clearer thinking and emotional steadiness become easier to access.You’ll learn:✔ what L-theanine is and how it crosses the blood–brain barrier✔ how it supports alpha brain waves linked to relaxed alertness✔ why many people report feeling calm yet mentally sharp✔ who may benefit most from this type of support✔ how to choose a high-quality supplement✔ simple safety considerationsWe also talk about the growing reality of overstimulation in modern life — not only for adults, but for our children — and why supporting the nervous system is becoming increasingly important.This episode invites you to approach your body with curiosity instead of pressure and reminds us that sometimes the smallest physiological support can create space for the deepest exhale.Listen in and discover whether L-theanine might be one helpful piece of your rhythm toward calm.Book:The Anxious Generation by by Jonathan Haidthttps://amzn.to/4aB5w6IIf you’re looking for a high-quality L-theanine, I’ve linked the one our family trusts below.Thorne L-Theanine:https://amzn.to/4qkJry4Integrative Therapeutics L-Theanine:https://amzn.to/4r4H6bEHosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.Mentioned in this episode:Lumebox Portable Redlight https://becomingnatural.com/redlightMore Than Enough OutroPenelope read an excerpt from the book More Than Enough: The Silent Struggle of a Woman’s Identity and shares her chapter, “My Intestine-mony.” https://becomingnatural.com/books/

S1 Ep 65Oregano Oil Benefits: 5 Powerful Reasons You Can Use Now
Read the full episode + resources here:Becoming Natural websitehttps://becomingnatural.com/oregano-oil-benefitsOregano is more than a supplement trend—it’s a leaf with a long history of everyday use. In this episode of Becoming Natural, we explore oregano oil benefits through a food-first, faith-centered lens, separating what science actually supports from modern hype.You’ll learn how oregano has traditionally been used as daily nourishment, when oregano oil can be helpful as a short-term tool, and why digestion, bile flow, and bitters matter more than most people realize. We also talk about safe ways to use oregano—as food, tea, steam, topical support, or oil—along with important red flags and quality markers to look for when choosing a product.This conversation isn’t about replacing doctors or fearing medicine. It’s about remembering that God built quiet support into creation and that prevention often begins with consistency, not intensity.Island Oregano OilYoung Living Oregano OilGaia Oregano Oil CapsulesGarden of Life Oregano Oil DropsAsakuki BPA-FREE Essential Oil DiffuserCeramic Essential Oil DiffuserGlass Essential Oil DiffuserSize 0 Vegan CapsulesHosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 64Fresh Milled Flour Benefits: The Remarkable Return to Living Bread
Read the full blog post + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/fresh-milled-flour-benefitsBread was never the problem — modern processing is.In this episode of Becoming Natural, Penny explores the surprising benefits of fresh milled flour, why store-bought bread affects the body so differently, and what we lost when wheat was stripped of its germ, bran, enzymes, and healthy fats.You’ll learn why labels like “enriched” and “fortified” are actually red flags, how freshly milled wheat behaves differently in the body, and why intact grains were designed to last through famine, drought, and generations — until they’re broken open to nourish.This conversation weaves together simplified food science, digestive health, blood sugar stability, immune support, and nervous system regulation with Scripture’s repeated emphasis on daily bread — provision that is living, time-sensitive, and meant to draw us into slower, more dependent rhythms.We also explore:Why freshly milled flour spoils quickly — and why that’s a sign of lifeHow modern bread became shelf-stable but nutritionally emptyWhy some people tolerate fresh wheat differently than store breadThe biblical role of grain storage through famine and droughtWhat Jesus meant when He called Himself “the Bread of Life”This episode is not about perfection or baking everything from scratch. It’s about returning to food that cooperates with the body, honors God’s design, and invites us to slow down — one simple change at a time.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.Mentioned in this episode:Lumebox Portable Redlighthttps://becomingnatural.com/redlight

S1 Ep 63Faith During Chronic Illness: A Powerful Story Found In Survival
Read the full episode + resources here:Becoming Natural websitehttps://becomingnatural.com/faith-during-chronic-illness/This episode shares a deeply personal testimony of faith during chronic illness—a story written in waiting, surrender, and survival. Penelope reflects on decades of prayer, unanswered questions, and the quiet ways God works when healing doesn’t come on our timeline. This is a story from the trenches, offered to anyone still praying, still waiting, and still trusting God to finish what He began.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.Mentioned in this episode:Book Mentioned: More Than EnoughPenelope shares the book More Than Enough: The Silent Struggle of a Woman’s Identity and shares her chapter, “My Intestine-mony.” https://becomingnatural.com/books/More Than Enough OutroPenelope read an excerpt from the book More Than Enough: The Silent Struggle of a Woman’s Identity and shares her chapter, “My Intestine-mony.” https://becomingnatural.com/books/

S1 Ep 62What Is Your God-Given Purpose? A Proven Path to Peace Beyond Expectations
Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/62-what-is-your-god-given-purpose/In this first episode of Becoming Natural for 2026, we explore how purpose is rooted in identity—not productivity—and why peace and good health often comes when we live beyond societal and self-imposed expectations. Through Scripture, personal story, and lived wisdom, this episode walks through how God-given purpose remains steady across every season of life, even as roles shift.Whether you’re navigating motherhood, marriage, singleness, career transitions, health challenges, or quieter seasons you didn’t expect, this conversation offers a proven path toward peace, clarity, and alignment with who God created you to be.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.Mentioned in this episode:EquiLife – At-Home Testing & SupplementsEquiLife: Simple at-home functional lab testing with clear results and action steps, plus clean, tested supplements. 🔗 https://becomingnatural.com/equilife

S1 Ep 61The Powerful, Forgotten Truth About the Divine Design of Our Bodies
Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/divine-design-of-our-bodies/This reflective year-end episode explores the powerful, forgotten truth about the divine As 2025 comes to a close, this special reflection episode explores the powerful, forgotten truth about the divine design of our bodies.This conversation weaves together faith, science, and lived experience to reflect on what we’ve learned together this year — from understanding symptoms as communication, to calming the nervous system, reducing inflammation, and recognizing how the body was created to work in harmony with nature.Rather than chasing perfection or quick fixes, this episode invites you to slow down and rediscover the wisdom written into the human body. It’s a reminder that our bodies are not random, broken, or working against us — they are intelligently designed, responsive, and capable of restoration when supported well.You’ll also hear reflections on the growth of the Becoming Natural podcast, lessons learned along the way, and what’s coming in 2026.🌿 Visit BecomingNatural.com to share topic requests and join the email list as we head into the new year.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.Mentioned in this episode:EquiLife – At-Home Testing & SupplementsEquiLife: Simple at-home functional lab testing with clear results and action steps, plus clean, tested supplements. 🔗 https://becomingnatural.com/equilife

S1 Ep 60Nutrient Deficiencies: The Frustrating Reason Symptoms Persist
Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/nutrient-deficiencies-symptoms/Nutrient deficiencies are often the hidden reason symptoms linger—fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalance.In this episode of Becoming Natural, Penny walks you through a powerful mindset shift: stop guessing and start understanding what your body actually needs. Instead of chasing symptoms with random supplements or medications, this conversation explores how vitamin and mineral deficiencies quietly drive many of the issues we accept as “normal.”You’ll learn why nutrients matter so deeply, how deficiencies create cascading symptoms, why testing is an act of wisdom (not overkill), and how targeted nourishment can restore clarity, energy, and resilience. From iodine and thyroid function to magnesium, vitamin D, and iron, this episode connects science, faith, and real-life experience to help you listen to your body with confidence.If you’re tired of guessing, this episode is your invitation to get answers.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.Mentioned in this episode:EquiLife – At-Home Testing & SupplementsEquiLife: Simple at-home functional lab testing with clear results and action steps, plus clean, tested supplements. 🔗 https://becomingnatural.com/equilife

S1 Ep 59Is the Seed Oil Excitement Really Worthy?
Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/is-seed-oil-worth-it/Is the seed oil excitement really worthy? That’s the question we’re slowing down with today — not from fear or internet hype, but with clarity, compassion, and grounded science. Seed oils are everywhere in the modern diet, but understanding how they’re made and how they behave in the body helps us make wiser choices without slipping into perfectionism or panic.In this episode, we break down the truth about omega-6 fatty acids, how extraction methods affect delicate fats, and why the balance between omega-6 and omega-3 matters for inflammation. We also talk about those gorgeous golden “canola fields” (that aren’t actually canola plants…) and how industrial processing transforms these oils long before they reach your kitchen.You’ll learn the difference between cold-pressed, expeller-pressed, and highly refined oils — and why choosing gentler versions at home supports your body’s natural design for resilience, restoration, and renewal. No shame. No alarm bells. Just simple choices that stack up over time.If you’ve ever wondered whether you need to panic about seed oils or toss out your entire pantry, this episode brings the peace back into the conversation.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 58How Breast Thermography Amazingly Detects Early Inflammation Naturally
Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/breast-thermography-early-detection/What if there was a safe, radiation-free way to see what’s really happening beneath the surface—long before symptoms speak up? In this episode of Becoming Natural, Penny Sampler sits downwith certified thermography technician Jenny Bitar to unpack how breast thermography candetect early signs of inflammation naturally and without radiation.You’ll learn what thermography is, how it works, and why more women are turning to this gentleimaging option to monitor breast and body wellness. From temperature mapping to inflammationawareness, this conversation blends science, faith, and self-care — without the fear or pressureof conventional screenings.✨ Takeaways• What breast thermography actually measures• Why it’s a non-invasive, radiation-free option• How it can reveal patterns of inflammation early• The difference between anatomical and physiological imaging• How to use this knowledge to take calm, proactive steps➡️Get In Touch with Jenny Bitar:LeawoodThermography.comIG: @leawoodthermography913.717.8761Breast Thermography InternationalProfessional Academy of Clinical ThermographyHosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 57Inflammation: The Surprise Hidden Load Really Draining Your Body
Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/inflammation-hidden-load/Inflammation can quietly build over time, becoming a hidden load the body keeps trying to carry. In this episode, we explore the signs of chronic inflammation—exhaustion that doesn’t make sense, recurring gut issues, brain fog, anxiety spikes, and that quiet sense of “I don’t feel like myself.” I share the Rain Barrel picture—how stress, chemicals, trauma, pace, and medication history drip into the body until it overflows. Not because you’re weak—but because your body has been protecting you for a long time. The gentle work is learning to release that load little by little with nourishment, safer swaps, and slower rhythms. You can find the full blog summary and linked research at BecomingNatural.com.🚨Lume Box 50% off TODAY ONLY 11/11/25Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.Mentioned in this episode:LUMEBOX — the red-light therapy panel I use at home and talk about all the time — is 50% off today only. Yes… I said half. off. This is their lowest price of the year — even better than Black Friday. Now listen… this time of year can feel heavy. The days get darker, our schedules get fuller, and our bodies kind of whisper “I need a minute.” Red light therapy is like sunlight’s warm encouragement, without the UV. It reminds your cells how to breathe again. And I don’t mean that in a fluffy wellness-speak way. I mean literally — red light helps your mitochondria do what God designed them to do: make energy, repair tissue, reduce inflammation. Your body is incredibly wise. Sometimes it just needs a little nudge of light. Here’s what I notice when I use mine: My skin looks more alive again. Not filtered. Not complicated. Just… awake. Stiff joints? They don’t grip me as hard in the morning. Energy + mood? It gives me the exhale I didn’t realize I was holding. And if you’re a mom, an athlete, or honestly just a woman awake in 2025… you don’t have time to feel sore or drained for days. This is a gentle, daily reset. 6–12 minutes — right in your home — and you feel it. Also… gifting idea? This is the one they’ll actually use. And remember how scripture says, “Let there be light”? — sometimes light is not just spiritual… it’s cellular too. God is in this story of your body’s capacity to restore. So if you’ve been waiting, today is your day. Go grab your LUMEBOX at 50% off before midnight. 👉 Just click the link in today’s show notes.

S1 Ep 56Folate vs Folic Acid: Recommended Nutrient Withheld that Women Need to Know
Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/folate-vs-folic-acid/Folate vs Folic Acid — Two names that sound the same, yet lead the body in very different directions. Today, we’re slowing down to understand why this matters, especially for women. Our bodies were designed to use folate — Vitamin B9 found in leafy greens, lentils, eggs, citrus, and liver. But most processed foods and many prenatal vitamins use folic acid, a synthetic form that must be converted before the body can use it. And for up to 40–60% of women, that conversion doesn’t happen efficiently.This episode explains what happens when folic acid builds up in the bloodstream, why methylation (your body’s “on/off switch”) matters for hormones, mood, detox, fertility, and nervous system health, and what to do if your body has been quietly struggling to keep up.This is not about panic, perfection, or pressure. It’s about recognizing that your body is brilliantly designed — and sometimes it simply needs nutrients in the form God originally created.We’ll explore:Folate vs folic acid (what’s the difference?)The MTHFR gene and why conversion mattersGentle ways to support methylation without overwhelmFoods rich in natural folate you can begin adding todayYou are not behind. Your body is not broken.Restoration is already happening.Share this with a friend who needs clarity and peace in her healing journey.❤️Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 55Red Light Sauna Power: Know How Light Helps Revive Your Cells and Soul
Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/red-light-therapy-basics/In this episode, Penny sits down with Dr. Aubree Hendershot of Radiant Wellness KC to unpack the real science and soul behind red light sauna therapy. Learn how light restores your body’s energy, calms inflammation, and revives your spirit.We’ll explore:The difference between near, mid, and far infrared lightHow light waves reach the mitochondria to boost energy productionWhy sweating is a sacred detox process—your skin’s way of cleansingHow consistent sessions help reduce inflammation and painWhat to look for in a quality infrared sauna💡 You can find all the research mentioned linked in the full blog summary at BecomingNatural.com.✨ Subscribe to Becoming Natural for more practical, faith-rooted conversations about natural healing.Get 40% off a Lumebox HERE!Follow Aubree Hendershot, DPT & Detox Specialist. Instagram TikTok Radiant Wellness KCHosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 54Natural Scar Tissue Treatment: The Exciting New Science of Healing Fascia and Scars
Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/scar-tissue-fascia-support/Scars tell our story—but they also hold hidden layers of fascia that can affect healing, mobility, and emotion. In this episode, we explore the exciting new science of fascia and scar tissue healing, how fibroblasts respond to movement and natural oils like castor and rosehip, and how faith meets physiology in the body’s design.💛 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.PRODUCTS MENTIONED:CLEAN Bath Bombs with Magnesium Epsom Salt (4 flavor choices)**Best Collagen I can find!**Magnesium Bath SaltsRosehip Seed OilOrganic Castor OilCastor Oil Packs📌 Note: I’m just a girl with a wild story and a passion for sharing what has helped me feel my best during difficult times. I share personal experience, documented research, and a whole lot of heart. Always talk to a professional when making changes to your health routine.Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.

S1 Ep 53Tallow for Skin — The Ancient Cleanser Makes an Amazing Comeback
Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/tallow-for-skin-basics/Soap may make you feel clean, but it can quietly wreck your skin’s microbiome. In this final mini episode of the Soap-Free Skin Series, I share the fascinating return of tallow — the ancient, natural cleanser that nourishes instead of stripping. Learn how it mimics our own sebum, protects the barrier, and brings that calm, radiant glow back. Plus, how history, science, and Scripture all point to the same truth: God designed creation to care for us completely.Products Mentioned:Hearth and Homestead: Handmade Whipped Tallow BalmHosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 52Magnesium for Skin Benefits: 5 Incredible Soap-Free Skincare Secrets
Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/magnesium-for-skin-benefits/Magnesium for skin benefits is more than hype—it’s healing. In this episode of Becoming Natural, I share 5 incredible soap-free skincare secrets using salt and magnesium that can transform how you cleanse your body.Salt is one of the oldest cleansers—known for its ability to fight bacteria, exfoliate, and infuse minerals that hydrate and protect your skin. Magnesium takes things further, helping with detox, circulation, and soothing inflammation. From Dead Sea minerals to simple Epsom salt baths, these God-given resources support your body in powerful ways without harsh soap.You’ll also learn why “single-ingredient” products matter, the surprising truth about brands like Dr. Teal’s, and how magnesium sprays compare to salt soaks. I even share quick DIY uses you can try today, plus spiritual reflections on what it means to be the “salt of the earth.”✨ Don’t miss this gentle but powerful soap-free swap.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 51Glow Naturally: Ditch Soap for a Powerful Herbal Skin Ritual
Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/herbal-skin-cleansing/In this short but power-packed episode, I’m showing you how to glow naturally—without soap, without toxins, and without all the harsh ingredients hiding in even the “clean” skincare aisle.We’re diving into herbal powder pastes—ancient botanical blends like neem, tulsi, turmeric, rose, and chamomile that have been used for centuries to cleanse, nourish, and heal. I’ll walk you through how they work, what they do for your skin, and how to make your own at home.You’ll learn:Which powdered herbs are best for inflammation, hydration, and brighteningWhy soap might be doing more harm than goodHow God’s natural design is still the best healing planNo gimmicks. No 10-step routines. Just real, radiant skin using what He already created for us.Be sure to grab the free printable recipe guide coming soon! 🌿Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 50Clay Cleansing for Radiant Skin: The Amazing Qualities of Dirt that Heals
Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/clay-cleansing-for-skin/In this gritty (and glorious) episode of the Soap-Free Skin Series, I’m getting my hands a little dirty—in the best way possible. We’re talking about clay cleansing and herbal powder pastes, and why I swapped out my foaming face wash for something ancient, earthy, and God-designed.If you're tired of stripping your skin with synthetic surfactants and wondering what on earth to use instead, this episode is your guide. We’ll unpack the benefits of bentonite, rhassoul, kaolin, and French green clay—plus soothing herbs like neem, rose, and tulsi. Whether you're detoxing from commercial skincare or just curious about clay, this one’s for you.Tune in for:A breakdown of which clays are best for which skin typesSimple ways to start clay cleansing (even if you’ve never tried it!)How to support your whole body with clay—baths, armpits, scalp, and moreEncouragement for when your healing journey gets a little messy (literally)✨ Spoiler: You don’t need foam to feel clean. You need minerals. You need God’s design.📌 Plus, I’ll share how I use these recipes in my daily life—because healing can be simple, sacred, and sustainable.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 49Raw Honey That Heals: A Bold, Soap-Free Ritual for Radiant Skin
Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/raw-honey-skin-benefits/Sweet friend, you’re about to fall in love with something sticky. In this mini pod, we’re breaking down the incredible healing power of **raw honey** as a cleanser. It hydrates, soothes, balances pH, and even fights acne—without stripping your skin’s natural barrier.We talk about:* Why honey makes your face feel warm 🔥* The antibacterial science behind raw honey* The faith link to “milk and honey” (Exodus 3:17)* How to cleanse your face step-by-step (no mess required!)Forget expensive products. Sometimes healing is hiding in your pantry. 🐝Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 48Oil Cleansing That Heals: A Bold, Soap-Free Ritual for Radiant Skin
Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/oil-cleansing-for-skin/Hey sweet friend 💛 This is the very first episode in the *Soap-Free Skin Series*—and we’re starting strong with oil cleansing! If your skincare routine feels more like a chemical lab experiment than something soul-nourishing, this episode is for you.We talk about:* What oil cleansing is (and what it isn’t)* The *exact* oils to use based on your skin type 🌿* How to do it without feeling like you need a degree in chemistry 🧪* Why this method honors both your skin’s design and God’s wisdomThis isn’t a trend—it’s an ancient, effective, microbiome-honoring ritual that might just become your skin’s new best friend. ✨Listen in, take notes, and remember: your skin was designed to heal. Let’s partner with it.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 47Soap-Free Skincare: Affordable Natural Options That Can Actually Work
Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/soap-free-skincare-basics/Soap-free skincare isn’t just a crunchy fad—it’s a powerful way to protect your body’s natural oils and avoid harmful ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and fragrances. In this episode, I walk you through the surprising history of soap, what happens when we strip our natural oils, and the science-backed risks of common ingredients. You’ll also discover affordable natural alternatives like oil cleansing, raw honey, clay, apple cider vinegar, salts, and more.✨ Ready to ditch soap for healthier skin? Join me this week as I launch a Soap-Free Skin Series of mini pods with practical, faith-rooted steps you can try at home.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 46Toxic Skincare Warning: How to Ditch Lotion for Dry Skin and Glow Naturally
Read the full episode + resources here:https://becomingnatural.com/ditch-toxic-skincare/Oil Cleansing Changed My Skin and My SoulEver feel like your face wash is doing more harm than good? In this first episode of the Soap-Free Skin Mini Series, I’m sharing how ditching harsh soaps and switching to oil cleansing transformed not just my skin—but my whole skincare mindset.We’ll talk about why commercial cleansers strip your skin’s natural barrier, how oil cleansing works with your body (not against it), and the surprising ways this simple ritual became a sacred moment in my day. This isn’t about trends—it’s about honoring what God already called good. 💛I’ll share my favorite oil blend, how to use it step by step, and the science behind why it works so well—even for acne-prone or sensitive skin. If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of dryness, breakouts, and over-cleansing, this episode is your gentle nudge toward healing.Ready to swap the suds for something soul-soothing? Press play now and start your soap-free journey with me.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 45Devastating Tetracycline Side Effects That Shattered My Gut & Gums Years Later
Read the full episode + resources here: https://becomingnatural.com/tetracycline-long-term-effects/Have you ever looked back at something seemingly small — a prescription, a choice, a doctor’s advice — and realized it changed the entire course of your health? 💭 That’s the story I’m sharing today.This episode is a raw, honest look at how one antibiotic — Tetracycline — taken as a teen for mild skin breakouts, turned into a decades-long health journey filled with gut battles, bleeding gums, misdiagnoses, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of how connected our bodies really are. 🧠💥From cracked molars to emergency stomach surgery, I’m laying it all out. We’ll talk about:🔑 The link between antibiotics like Tetracycline and Crohn’s, Candida, and gum disease🔑 Why some Crohn’s medications never worked for me — and what finally did🔑 The connection between oral and gut health that even your dentist may miss🔑 What I’ve learned as an Integrative Health Practitioner-in-training🔑 How to protect your kids from the mistakes we didn’t know we were makingThis one’s a doozy, friends — but it’s also a hopeful, empowering call to know better, so we can do better. 🙏🏽💖TOPICS COVERED:Tetracycline and long-term health damageCandida overgrowth and gut imbalanceLink between antibiotic use and autoimmune diseasesWhy oral health is a window into your gutFunctional and integrative health solutionsGut-brain connection explained simplyEmpowering moms to advocate for their family’s healthHosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 44Becoming Natural Heal From Chronic Illness with Plant Medicine (Replay)
Read the full episode + resources here: https://becomingnatural.com/chronic-illness-plant-medicine/Welcome to a special re-air of Episode One of *Becoming Natural*! 🎙️ In this foundational episode, I share the honest, unfiltered journey that started it all—from chronic illness and emotional overwhelm to embracing clean living as a lifestyle of healing and faith 🌿❤️. With three boys, two pups, and one determined mama, I open up about how God met me in hospital beds and quiet moments, guiding me toward natural remedies, toxin-free living, and truth-backed healing.This replay is a reminder that even when you feel like shouting "No way!"—God might just whisper, "Watch me." 💫 Let’s walk this path together, reclaiming health one natural step at a time.🔑 Topics covered:* Chronic illness and autoimmune recovery* Natural healing and faith-based transformation* Simple food swaps and detox strategies* Encouragement for moms juggling it all🎧 Tap play to begin again—because healing isn’t linear, and neither is your story.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 43Witch Hazel for Skin: Soothing Secrets from the Old Days
Read the full episode + resources here: https://becomingnatural.com/witch-hazel-skin-benefits/In this episode, Penny walks us through the gentle power and rich history of witch hazel for skin:🌿 Roots in creation: Why Native American wisdom and colonial pharmacy both called on this shrub🔬 Botanical brilliance: How tannins, flavonoids, and adaptable extracts soothe, protect, and tone🧴 Which type for what: Choosing between alcohol‑based, glycerin‑based, or potent pure extracts📝 DIY healing: Easy recipes—toners, wipes, sun‑burn compresses, and bug‑bite relief🙏 Real guidance: Safety considerations, FAQs, and a faith-filled reflection grounded in Psalm 104:14Grab your tea and stick around for practical healing and soul-filling grace.Products Mentioned:🛒 Dickinson's Witch Hazel-Alcohol Free🛒Dickinson's Witch Hazel-Alcohol Free with Rose Water🛒Organic Witch Hazel Extract📚 Referenced Studies & ResourcesAvula, B. et al. (2019). Quantitative Determination of Tannins in Witch Hazel Bark and Leaf – Planta MedicaWölfle, U. et al. (2014). Plant Extracts with Anti-inflammatory Activity: Witch Hazel as an Example – Planta MedicaYamakoshi, J. et al. (2003). Oral Intake of Proanthocyanidin-Rich Extract Reduces Oxidative Stress in Humans – Journal of Nutritional Science and VitaminologyCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Witch Hazel for Hemorrhoids and Skin IrritationMount Sinai Herbal Medicine Database. Witch Hazel OverviewDickinson’s Witch Hazel Company (est. 1866). Company History📣 Don’t forget to follow this podcast and share it with someone who needs healing and hope today!Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 42Vinegar Health Benefits: Ancient Remedy for Your Health & Home
Read the full episode + resources here: https://becomingnatural.com/vinegar-health-benefits/Ever laughed at your husband for putting vinegar in everything—only to realize he might’ve been onto something? 🙋♀️ In this episode, Penny takes us on a raw and real journey from “no way” to “never without it” when it comes to vinegar. This isn’t just about clean windows or fluffy towels. It’s about reclaiming simple, natural, God-designed remedies that have stood the test of time. 🧺🍎✨We explore the surprising history, health benefits, and practical, faith-rooted uses of vinegar—from ancient Babylon and Roman soldiers, all the way to your bathroom cabinet. Whether you’re navigating chronic illness, simplifying your cleaning closet, or looking for natural immune support, this episode reminds us: sometimes healing doesn’t come in a bottle... unless it’s one filled with vinegar. 😉🧪 Vinegar Benefits You’ll Love:Supports digestion, blood sugar balance, and heart healthDisinfects your home naturally without harsh chemicalsActs as a beauty booster for hair, skin, and breathReplaces pricey products with one simple ingredientRooted in both Scripture and science for whole-body wellness💭 Something to Think About:“It amazes me how something as simple and humble as vinegar carries such profound wisdom from ancient history into our modern homes.”👉 CTA:Craving more natural wellness wisdom and everyday miracles? Stick around till the end for simple ways to detox your home and heart—one vinegar soak at a time.📚 Resources Mentioned:📖 John 19:29 – Vinegar at the cross (Bible Gateway)Scriptural reference where Jesus is offered wine vinegar at the crucifixion🧼 1600+ Uses for Vinegar – Fun Cheap or FreeMassive roundup of ways to use vinegar for health, home, and more🏡 Everyday Uses for Vinegar – New Life on a HomesteadPractical vinegar tips from a trusted homesteading resource📚 Journal of Environmental Health (2010)Vinegar’s antibacterial power against E. coli and Salmonella📚 Journal of Functional Foods (2018)ACV and blood sugar regulation📚 Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry (2009)ACV’s effects on body fat and weight📚 Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine (2020)ACV’s support for gut health and beneficial bacteriaHosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 41Is Candida Secretly Causing Your Gut Issues? Healing Breakthrough Inside (Replay)
Read the full episode + resources here: https://becomingnatural.com/candida-gut-connection/If you've been wrestling with bloating, brain fog, weird cravings, or gut pain that no one seems to explain, this episode might blow your socks off 🧦. This is the most popular episode thus far and a great replay if you are having guy issues. Don't forget there is a PART 2:04 (Part 2): Symptoms of Candida Yeast Overgrowth are WHOLE Body & a Step by Step Diet Plan to Relieve Candida, SEEBO, & Leaky GutIn this episode, Is Candida Yeast Causing Your Gut Symptoms? Natural Healing Insights Inside, I walk you through how a candida yeast overgrowth was quietly wreaking havoc on my body—and how a simple 30-day detox helped restore my energy, clear my brain fog, and even change how I saw God’s hand in my healing.🔑 Key Takeaways:What triggers candida yeast overgrowth (spoiler: antibiotics and stress are biggies)Why your gut symptoms may be misdiagnosedHow the "die-off" process works—and why it's worth the struggleA faith-forward look at how our bodies are designed to heal👉 Ready to start your own healing journey? Don’t miss this deep dive into gut healing and God's grace.NOTES: 🎙️04 (Part 2): Symptoms of Candida Yeast Overgrowth are WHOLE Body & a Step by Step Diet Plan to Relieve Candida, SEEBO, & Leaky GutFREE YEAST QUIZ📚 "Good Energy" by Casey Means Hardcover/Audible/Kindle Book📚 The Ultimate Candida Diet Program🛒To purchase Botanical Wellness products with $10 off your first order: 📈 FREE Candida Yeast QuizSOURCES:🖥️ https://www.mitchellmedicalgroup.com/services/candida/about-candida/🖥️https://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/crohns-disease/crohns-disease-antibiotics🖥️https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20700115/Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 40Sunlight Healing: How Morning Light Resets Your Mood, Hormones & Faith
Read the full episode + resources here: https://becomingnatural.com/morning-sunlight-benefits/In this episode of Becoming Natural, we explore one of the most ancient and accessible healing tools available: sunlight. Once revered by civilizations across the globe, the sun has become something we fear and block. But is that fear costing us vitality, balance, and even faith? We trace the historical, biological, and spiritual relationship we’ve had with sunlight—from heliotherapy to vitamin D production—and how reestablishing a healthy relationship with light can transform your sleep, hormones, mood, and immunity.Whether you're struggling with fatigue, anxious moods, or hormone imbalance—or simply want to reconnect with creation—this episode offers wisdom, science, and simple morning practices to help you rise and shine. 🌞💭 Something to Think About:"Sunlight isn’t something to fear or worship. It’s something to receive—wisely, rhythmically, and reverently."📚 Resources Mentioned:📘 Vitamin D Deficiency – New England Journal of Medicine (2007)Foundational overview of vitamin D’s role in overall health and deficiency risks📘 Vitamin D Metabolism in the Skin – Molecular & Cellular Endocrinology (2011)Explains how UVB light triggers vitamin D synthesis via the skin💡 Blue Light Has a Dark Side – Harvard Health (2020)Details the impact of artificial light on circadian rhythm and sleep🧠 Circadian Light & Mental Health – The Lancet Psychiatry (2018)Greater daytime light exposure lowers risk of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder🛡️ Vitamin D & Immunity – Journal of Investigative Medicine (2011)Demonstrates vitamin D’s ability to regulate immune response and reduce infection risk💓 UVA & Blood Pressure – Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2014)Shows UVA exposure reduces blood pressure independently of vitamin D levels🧼 UV Disinfection & Pathogen Control – Scientific Reports (2019)UV light’s germicidal properties for sanitizing air, water, and surfacesHosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 39The Important Hidden Dangers of Looming Antibacterial Overload
Read the full episode + resources here: https://becomingnatural.com/antibacterial-overload-risks/The Important Hidden Dangers of Looming Antibacterial OverloadAre we over-sanitizing ourselves sick? In today’s Becoming Natural episode, I’m sharing the real risks behind our culture’s obsession with “antibacterial everything”—and how it might be doing more harm than good. We’ll unpack the history of triclosan, hormone disruption, antibiotic resistance, and why dirt might just be your best medicine. I’ll walk you through smart swaps, safe solutions, and faith-filled reminders that your body was designed to thrive in the real world—not a sterile lab. 💛🔍 Real Talk on Germophobia🧬 Microbiome Truths You’ve Never Heard🌿 God’s Design for Your Immune SystemRESOURCESFDA bans triclosan and triclocarban in consumer soapsThe hygiene hypothesis: current perspectives and future therapiesTriclosan Technical Fact SheetAntimicrobial resistanceWhy dirt may be nature’s original stress-busterHosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 385 Important Reasons Why Most Probiotics Don’t Work
Read the full episode + resources here: https://becomingnatural.com/why-probiotics-dont-work/If you’ve been popping probiotic pills and still feeling bloated, foggy, or off—this episode is your “aha” moment. We’re unpacking the probiotic myths that keep women confused and constipated (literally). From CFUs and strains to fermented foods and soil-based organisms, I’ll help you figure out what your gut actually needs. 🦠🔍 Science Note: Most probiotic strains don’t colonize the gut long term—they pass through and help while they’re there.We’ll also dive into:• Common probiotic mistakes• The role of prebiotics• How to rotate strains and rewild your microbiome• Why your body isn’t broken—just overwhelmed💬 “Your gut is a garden. Don’t just throw in seeds—tend it.”👉 Listen in, then share it with a friend who’s overwhelmed in the supplement aisle!RESOURCES:🎙️30 | Astonishing Inflammatory Foods that are Actually Fueling Your Pain📕Post-Antibiotic Gut Mucosal Microbiome Reconstitution Is Impaired by Probiotics and Improved by Autologous FMT📕Probiotics: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications📕Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I‑745: from quality to efficacy📕Dietary fiber and prebiotics and the gastrointestinal microbiota📕Microbiota Modulate Behavioral and Physiological Abnormalities Associated with Neurodevelopmental DisordersHosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 37Digestive Enzymes: Powerful Natural Solutions for Bloating & Gas You'll Love
Read the full episode + resources here: https://becomingnatural.com/digestive-enzymes-benefits/Ever feel bloated after a healthy meal? I’ve been there. In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most overlooked (and life-changing!) tools for gut health: digestive enzymes. I’ll share what they do, how to tell if your body is running low, and why they can make all the difference when clean eating still leaves you feeling “off.”We’ll break down enzyme types, what to look for in a supplement, and how our ancestors got enzymes naturally from food, bitters, and good ol’ chewing.RESOURCES:🖥️Digestive Enzyme Supplementation in Gastrointestinal DiseasesPRODUCTS MENTIONED:🪴Enzymedica – Digest Gold | Best for: Overall digestion + post-meal supportBroad-spectrum enzymes: amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, lactase, moreVery effective for gas, bloating, heavy mealsNo fillers, vegan, non-GMO🪴Pure Encapsulations – Digestive Enzymes Ultra | Best for: Sensitive systems, simple + pure formulaBroad coverage of proteins, carbs, fatsUltra-clean: no gluten, dairy, or artificial anythingHypoallergenic, no unnecessary binders🪴Designs for Health – Digestzymes | Best for: Supporting low stomach acid + broad enzyme support🪴Bioptimizers – MassZymes | Best for: High-protein eaters, athletes, or anyone on a🪴Seeking Health – Digestive Enzymes Chewable Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 36Amazing Healing Beyond the Pill Bottle: My Journey to Natural Recovery
Read the full episode + resources here: https://becomingnatural.com/natural-recovery-journey/I spent years popping pills like clockwork — thinking it was the only way to survive. But it wasn’t healing… it was barely coping.In this episode, I open up about what it looked like to live stuck in the cycle of prescriptions — and what finally helped me break free. It wasn’t overnight. It wasn’t easy. And it wasn’t without grief.But it led me to something more whole, more holy.🌿 In this episode, you’ll hear:What it felt like to rely on medications for survivalThe turning point that woke me upHow I gently shifted toward natural recoveryGod designed your body to heal. You don’t have to stay stuck.If you’ve ever felt stuck in the medical loop, overmedicated, or exhausted from trying all the things with no relief — you’re not alone.💛 Share this episode with a friend who’s wondering if there’s a better way.🔗 RESOURCES:🎙️05 | Hidden Power of Nature: Growing Interest Around Essential Oils is Encouraging🎙️30 | Astonishing Inflammatory Foods Fueling Your Pain🎙️31 | Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Foods You Want that Heal your Body Naturally📔NIH Nutrient Decline📔Mayo Clinic Metabolic Syndrome📔Our Prescription Drugs Kill Us in Large Numbers📔Prevalence and Variability in Medications Contributing to Polypharmacy in Long-Term Care FacilitiesHosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 35How I Found Strength Through Faith When I Wasn't Strong At All
Read the full episode + resources here: https://becomingnatural.com/faith-strength-journey/Have you ever felt completely drained and helpless, wondering where you’d find the strength to keep going? I have. In this episode, I open up about one of the scariest moments of my life — when I was in the hospital fighting a severe infection that left me weaker than ever. I share how, in the midst of that pain and fear, I experienced a surprising "God wink." It came in the form of a small heart-shaped sign that reminded me I wasn’t alone and that God was with me in my suffering.Join me for this heartfelt conversation about finding hope when you feel hopeless. It’s a story of faith growing even in a hospital bed, and of discovering strength through faith when I had none of my own left. If you’re in a tough season or know someone who is, this episode will encourage you to see that even in our weakest moments, God’s love is at work. Come be uplifted and reminded that you are never alone on your healing journey.Resources Mentioned:🎙️10 | How Inspiring Christian Music Helped Me Heal from Chronic Disease🎙️25 | How Beating Sepsis Changed my Life with a Remarkable Healing from Crohn's🙏🏻Scripture:But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. And he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself while he sat in the ashes.Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. Job 2:7-10Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 34Valuable Sunscreen Safety You Need to Know to Protect & Support Your Health
Read the full episode + resources here: https://becomingnatural.com/sunscreen-safety-basics/Ever wondered if sunscreen is really protecting you—or if it could be causing harm instead? In this episode, I unpack the shocking truth about sunscreen safety, from ancient sun rituals to modern SPF science. You’ll hear my personal journey from tanning with iodine (yep!) to questioning the long list of chemical ingredients we spray on our bodies.✨ Here’s what we dive into:How the sun actually heals your body (mood, sleep, inflammation, and more!)Why early morning light through your eyes resets your circadian rhythm 🌞The real deal with sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxateA breakdown of reef-safe vs. hormone-disrupting sunscreensWhat mineral sunscreens are and why they’re safer for your familySurprising foods and supplements that protect (or sensitize!) your skinHow God’s creation—from soil to sunlight—was designed to heal us 🌿💡 Plus, I share practical tips for moms, a sunburn healing protocol, and a few faith-based reflections that’ll inspire your day.👉 Be sure to grab the free EWG Sunscreen Guide Printable at BecomingNatural.comResources Mentioned:📔History of Sunscreen📔The trouble with ingredients in sunscreens📔Dietary tomato paste protects against ultraviolet light-induced erythema in humans📔Phototoxicity in human lens epithelial cells promoted by St. John's Wort📔Higher Orange Consumption Linked To Increased Risk of Melanoma, New Study Suggests🎙️33 | The Shocking Link Seen Between Sleep Loss and Your Health🙏🏻Scripture:When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12Then the Lord God formed a man[a] from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Genesis 2:7From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,the name of the Lord is to be praised. Psalm 113:3But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. Malachi 4:2Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 33The Shocking Link Seen Between Sleep Loss and Your Health
Read the full episode + resources here: https://becomingnatural.com/sleep-loss-health-link/Are you skipping sleep to get more done... only to feel more drained? 😩 In this episode of Becoming Natural, we’re diving deep into what really happens when we don’t get enough rest. Chronic sleep loss is more than just a nuisance—it’s a hidden trigger for heart disease ❤️, weight gain 🍭, mood disorders 😟, inflammation 🔥, and even autoimmune flares. I’ll break down the science (in mom-friendly language!) to explain why your sleep isn't a luxury—it’s your body’s most powerful healing tool. Plus, how missing deep sleep messes with your brain’s “nightly cleaning system.” Let this be your loving nudge to take sleep seriously. 💤🎧 Tune in now to learn how to start reclaiming your health—starting tonight.Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 32Incredible Castor Oil Health Benefits You’ll Want that are Proven and Affordable
Read the full episode + resources here: https://becomingnatural.com/castor-oil-health-benefits/Today we’re talking all about one of the most underrated healing tools out there: castor oil!We’ll cover what castor oil does inside your body, how it can support detox, lymphatic drainage, gut health, and more. Plus, I’ll give you the inside scoop on how to choose a high-quality castor oil that’s truly safe and effective.If you’ve ever wondered how to make a castor oil pack at home — this episode is packed with simple tips you can use right away! Resources Mentioned in Podcast🎉Podcast to Profit Bootcamp🎉Podcast Pro University🎉Podcast to Profit🎙️02 | Struggling with Anxiety? How EMDR Changed My Life🩹Castor Oil Pack Wrap, 12 Pcs🫘The Goodbye Company Organic Castor Oil📚The Oil That Heals:Hosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 31Powerful Anti-inflammatory Foods You Want That Heal Your Body Naturally
Read the full episode + resources here: https://becomingnatural.com/anti-inflammatory-foods-guide/In this episode of Becoming Natural, we break down exactly what anti-inflammatory foods are—and how they work on multiple levels to help your body heal. From calming an overactive immune system to supporting your gut and even influencing your genes, these foods are more than fuel—they’re medicine. We also break down terms like antioxidants, free radicals, oxidative stress, and polyphenols using simple, visual analogies. If you’re ready to learn what to eat, why it works, and how to start making changes without the overwhelm, this one’s for you!Key Takeaways:Simple definitions of antioxidants, free radicals, and oxidative stress10 anti-inflammatory food groupsReal-life tips for transitioning your pantryScripture and science working hand in handResources Mentioned in Podcast🎙️ Episode 5 The Healing Power of Nature: Growing Interest around Essential Oils is Encouraging🎙️ Episode 22 The Best Foods To Consider When Eating for Crohn's Disease🎙️ Episode 28 Know the Role of Chronic Inflammation to Make Smarter Choices and Empower Your life🎙️Episode 29 How to Have More Natural and Effective Pain Management Success with Crohn's Disease🎙️ Episode 30 Astonishing Inflammatory Foods That are Actually Fueling Your Pain📔Food Journal & Lifestyle Tracker📚 Good Energy by Casey MeansHosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.

S1 Ep 30Astonishing Inflammatory Foods That Are Actually Fueling Your Pain
Read the full episode + resources here: https://becomingnatural.com/inflammatory-foods-to-avoid/🔥 Are your favorite foods secretly causing inflammation? In Episode 30 of Becoming Natural, host Penny Sampler uncovers surprising culprits behind chronic inflammation and gut discomfort.In this episode, you'll learn:Common foods that may trigger inflammationThe science behind food-induced inflammationPractical tips to identify and eliminate inflammatory foods 🌿 Whether you're managing an autoimmune condition or seeking better health, this episode offers valuable insights to guide your dietary choices.Resources Mentioned in Podcast🎙️Episode 22 The Best Foods To Consider When Eating for Crohn's Disease📔Food Journal & Lifestyle TrackerHosted by Penelope SamplerNatural Wellness • Chronic Illness Journey • Faith & Wellness📩 Join the Email List🛒 My Trusted Resources Contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting the show.📌 Note: I share what I’ve learned on my own journey — the things that have supported me in hard seasons. I offer personal experience, thoughtful research, and lots of encouragement. This podcast isn’t medical advice, and it shouldn’t replace care from a qualified professional. Always talk to someone you trust before making changes to your health routine.© Becoming Natural Podcast.